Category Archives: Tinkering

Build a Pantograph with a Dremel

Posted on August 1, 2014 by robertwilkie

Nice write-up to build a Pantograph (thing that draws, in this case cuts, a duplicate of what you are tracing).  Only thing I might do differently is a better holder for the dremel.  Maybe something that can thread in. http://starlocalmedia.com/rowlettlakeshoretimes/xerox-files-lawsuit-against-rowlett/article_8ea2a55e-18c7-11e4-82da-001a4bcf887a.html

Posted in Cheap, Tinkering, Xerox | Comments Off on Build a Pantograph with a Dremel

An $8 AVR programmer

Posted on August 1, 2014 by robertwilkie

Nice build for programming AVR chips (arduinos) for bare board or chip systems.  Only $8 (more like $10 in my case) in parts. http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-make-your-own-AVR-programming-station-for-u/

Posted in Arduino, Cheap | Comments Off on An $8 AVR programmer

Mining bitcoins with a RPi

Posted on July 31, 2014 by robertwilkie

Nice write-up on how to setup a raspberry pi to mine bitcoins.  Sad part is its almost next to impossible to get any with such a small CPU.  I did set this up myself about a year ago, with litecoins, … Continue reading →

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jscut.org, Maybe a better way to make 2D gcode?

Posted on July 30, 2014 by robertwilkie

OK started back up on CNC again now that some personal projects are done.  I’m still stuck on CAM right now, started tinkering with Inkscape, but didn’t get too far.  I came across this website, jscut.org, that provides a pretty … Continue reading →

Posted in Cheap, CNC/3D-printing, Misc-Life | Comments Off on jscut.org, Maybe a better way to make 2D gcode?

Automatic bike brake light

Posted on July 30, 2014 by robertwilkie

Good idea, the author took a cheap rear bicycle light and put some switches (homemade) to his brakes and it triggers the light.  My 2 cents.  I think I would have put them in the handlebars, maybe a contact switch … Continue reading →

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Cool and cheap mini windturbine for kids

Posted on July 30, 2014 by robertwilkie

Cool build for a simple wind turbine that is pretty cheap to make, and can be used with kids.  Down sides, 1, the motor has to get pretty good speed to “light” the LED from my experience.  2,  I wish … Continue reading →

Posted in Cheap, Teaching and Learning, Wind | Comments Off on Cool and cheap mini windturbine for kids

Mist a stick, great for kids, and waterbills

Posted on July 29, 2014 by robertwilkie

Its been a pretty nice summer sofar, but just incase you get a heatwave, might be worth building one of these to keep the kids cool.  The instructions are pretty straight forward, and reminds me of the Kid Wash that … Continue reading →

Posted in Cheap, Misc-Life, water | Comments Off on Mist a stick, great for kids, and waterbills

Convert a full lenght bathroom mirror into storage area

Posted on July 23, 2014 by robertwilkie

Not a bad idea.  Now if this was combined with some cabinet from IKEA that would be really cool.  Either way the plans and materials are available and looks like a straight forward project to do. http://www.shanty-2-chic.com/2014/02/bathroom-storage-diy.html

Posted in Cheap, Misc-Life, woodworking | Comments Off on Convert a full lenght bathroom mirror into storage area

OpenWRT gets IPv6

Posted on July 23, 2014 by robertwilkie

I always thought it had it, guess I was wrong.  Anyways OpenWRT now officially has IPv6 support.  I think my confusion is because I use DD-WRT instead. http://www.theregister.co.uk/2014/07/16/openwrt_gets_ipv6_in_major_refresh/

Posted in Security, Tinkering | Comments Off on OpenWRT gets IPv6

Build a Rocket Stove

Posted on July 22, 2014 by robertwilkie

I have seen these stove builds in the past, but this is the first one that is cheap to make, good sized (many are small), and usable.  Good write-up on how to build it too.  Down side of rocket stoves … Continue reading →

Posted in Cheap, Tinkering | Comments Off on Build a Rocket Stove